Charges dropped against former pastor

MONETTE, AR (KAIT) – Charges against a former Craighead
County pastor have been dropped after prosecutors decided not to prosecute,
according to a statement by Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mike Walden.

Charles Hughes
was originally charged in 2012 with sexual assault, obstructing governmental
operations and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Officers said a cell
phone of a missing Nebraska pinged and hit in a mobile home park.

Monday, Walden
issued a statement.

"The victim in this matter advised the State of Arkansas that
she would not cooperate in the prosecution of these charges. She turned 18 in
May 2012. She has since married, had a child, and resides outside of the State
of Arkansas," stated Walden. "Before terminating all communication with
the State, she made it clear that she wanted to drop the charges, put this
matter behind her, and get on with her life. The State would not be able to
prove this case without her cooperation. For these reasons, the State has moved
to dismiss the pending charges in this matter."

Hughes was the
pastor of Church of Christ in Monette at the time of his arrest.

The Poplar Bluff R-1 School district now offers free breakfast and lunch this year to all students, grades pre-K through third, in an effort to help ensure children are receiving the proper nutrition throughout the school day.

The Poplar Bluff R-1 School district now offers free breakfast and lunch this year to all students, grades pre-K through third, in an effort to help ensure children are receiving the proper nutrition throughout the school day.